PEP Guardiola will have had some restless sleep in his city centre apartment this week, but the good news for the bleary-eyed Manchester City boss is that some sounder nights are now just a few months away.
The bad news is what lies ahead to reach the point when he can tuck himself in contended at another job well done.
This weekend could yet be the defining day in the title race.
With a worthwhile nod to Arsenal and their excellent form and the fact they might be top tomorrow, the meeting between City and Liverpool at Anfield has been circled in the calendars for a long time.
In his nine years in England, this is the game that has most troubled Guardiola. It is the one he most wants to win, but finds hardest to. His only victory at Anfield came when the crowds were absent in February 2021 and more memorable have been the moments when he has failed to control his emotions, much to the Kop's delight.
Who will ever forget his disbelieving rant during Liverpool's 3-1 win in November 2019, when he raised two fingers to fourth official Mike Dean and Anfield's Main Stand in anger at decisions that went against City. But it's not just Anfield that drives Guardiola to the edge, but the battle against Liverpool and the rivalry with Jurgen Klopp.
It is that combination that will have kept Guardiola up at night this week and as he admitted in January, when Klopp confirmed this season will be his last at Liverpool, he will sleep better when the German has gone. The farewell is coming but, first of all, City have to ruin it.
It is the head-to-head that has, if not dominated their careers, then certainly influenced them to a greater degree than any other. This weekend will be the 30th occasion that Guardiola and Klopp have stood a few yards across from each other in a technical area.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Jude's message to former City star on his retirement
JUDE Bellingham has sent a heartfelt message to Jesus Navas after the former City forward played the final game of his professional career on Sunday.
Pep reiterates how difficult it is to find the right players in a January window
PEP Guardiola said that nobody at City looks as good as normal in their losing run as he picked out two players for their efforts.
County boss gets in the festive spirit
STOCKPORT County manager Dave Challinor insists the Hatters will embrace and enjoy the unique challenges of professional football in England over the festive period.
PEP'S NOT READY TO TAKE KLOPP'S ROUTE OUT
CITY manager Pep Guardiola claimed he would ‘sleep better’ when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp departs and so far, his comments may not be entirely true.
Lewis focused on the biggest challenge of all
England head coach Jon Lewis says his side are in “a really good place” for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which he describes as cricket’s “hardest challenge”.
Draper sets sights on hitting the top
US OPEN SEMI-FINAL GAVE BRITISH TALENT A TASTE OF THE BIG TIME
Retail figures look 'disastrous'
THIS Christmas appears to have been “disastrous” for retailers as households battle with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, new figures suggest.
Loyalty card issue for Morrisons
MORRISONS has cut the price of items including turkeys and Champagne for all shoppers, after a system glitch hit its loyalty card yesterday, but some customers may face delayed Christmas orders.
King's focus is on value of health
THE King’s Christmas message will focus on the efforts of healthcare workers, following a year that saw Charles and the Princess of Wales treated for cancer.
Man denies CEO killing
THE man accused of fatally shooting the chief executive of the United States health insurance provider UnitedHealthcare in New York yesterday pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges, in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution.
